Rocky Mountain Gamer: Gift ideas for your techie

By Marc Camron Rocky Mountain Gamer

Posted:
11/22/2012 10:45:36 AM MST

Updated:
02/22/2013 09:23:34 AM MST

One of the most-coveted gifts this Christmas is the Wii U. (Courtesy photo)

There are two sides to the holidays: The traditional religious celebrations that mean so much to people around the world, and the overindulgence of food, drink and play that makes us wake up Jan. 2 five pounds heavier, with a headache and an empty wallet.

Regardless how you spend the holidays, when it's all over there's nothing better than sitting on the couch enjoying some tech.

So let me show you the hottest gifts for the gamer/tech lover in your life.

Gaming goodwill

If one holiday gift will make you a superstar to your family, it's the new Nintendo Wii U ($350-$400 plus games). The first next-gen game system, the Wii U sports a more powerful processor, high-definition graphics and a controller with a 6.2-inch touchscreen.

If you can't find or afford the Wii U, turn your attention to Nintendo's 3DS-XL, which has an oversized screen on which games look simply amazing. (Courtesy photo)

The innovative screen can display maps and inventories, playbooks in sports games or pretty much anything else designers can think of. In multiple-player games, one player can even use the touchscreen while others play on the main screen.

Perhaps most exciting to parents, the screen can be used as a primary screen, allowing you to watch your TV while the kids play.

Nintendo promises to have about 3.5 million units shipped by the end of the year, so while the system might be difficult to find, it will be out there. Keep your eyes peeled and your credit card primed.

Not able to get ahold of the Wii U? Or perhaps you'd like something a little cheaper?

Look no farther than the Nintendo 3DS-XL. This oversized version of the popular handheld boasts a 3D screen that's 90 percent bigger than its little brother. Games look absolutely gorgeous on the screen, and if you have slightly older eyes, games are much easier to see. At $200, it costs $30 more than the standard 3DS, but the additional size is well worth it.

A little harmony

If you like to control things from your couch, you can't go wrong with Logitech's latest Harmony universal remote.

The Harmony Touch ($250) takes its cues from smartphones, featuring a color, multi-touch screen in the center of the action. By loading up the logos of your favorite channels, the touch makes it easier than ever to find what you're looking for without remembering a channel number or scrolling endlessly through your provider's guide. Easily programmable via the Internet, the Touch can control up to 15 devices, with macros to make every activity as easy as pushing one button.

Computer gold

Of course everyone has a brother, daughter or weird cousin who prefers sitting at a desk to lounging on the couch. For them, nothing says love like a keyboard and mouse.

Madcatz's S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 might be the ultimate gamer keyboard. It offers, among other things, a touchscreen, a strip of function keys and multiple wrist rests. (Courtesy photo)

The Rolls-Royce of computer gaming gear is the Madcatz S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 keyboard ($300) teamed with its M.M.O. 7 mouse ($130). Looking like something that Victor Frankenstein might have assembled, both items are modular and completely customizable.

The keyboard sports a touchscreen, main keyboard, massive number pad, a strip of function keys and multiple wrist rests. The outrageously versatile system allows users to adjust the setup to suit their wants and needs, shuffling components like so many playing cards. Additionally, the keyboard's powerful software allows for multiple macros to make hard gaming tasks a breeze.

Likewise, the M.M.O. 7 mouse can be adjusted for feel, including weight, sensitivity and even how it fits in your hand. It might look strange at first, but it feels like heaven in your hand.

For the collector in your household, the "Assassin s Creed III Limited Edition" offers far more than a mere game. (Courtesy photo)

If the thought of paying $300 for a keyboard brings out your inner Scrooge, check out the Logitech G710+ Mechanical Keyboard ($150). It combines modern features like backlighting and programmable macros with old-school tactile mechanical keys. If you miss the clackity-clack of keys that actually move up and down, this keyboard is your dream come true.

The softer side

Of course, not all gifts have to plug in. There is plenty of software out there to slip under the tree.

This season offers some amazing collector's edition games, including the "Assassin's Creed III Limited Edition" ($120). In addition to the game, the package comes with a 9.5-inch statue of Connor, the game's main character, an embroidered cloth flag inspired by the game, a great metal Assassin'slogo belt buckle and a copy of George Washington's journal. It's a must-have package for fans of the series.

If your little soldier prefers shooters, pick up the "Call of Duty: Black Ops II Care Package" ($180). Along with a copy of the game and a few nifty doodads, the game comes with a radio-controlled QuadrotorDrone. This flying toy is perfect to torment pets and neighbors when you're forced outside for some fresh air.

Turkey coma

There comes a time when you don't even want to push buttons on a controller, you just want to sit and melt into the sofa. For these times, grab some Blu-rays, sit back and enjoy.

"Bond 50" features all 22 James Bond films dating back -- you guessed it -- 50 years. There's even a slot for No. 23, "Skyfall," which is in theaters now. Though the package lists at $300, it is readily available for $130, which comes out to $5.90 per film -- the best entertainment deal of the season.

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